Choose your representatives very carefully

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into effect the Local Government Municipal Structures Amendment Act, which will come into effect from November 1 2021.

The act aims to strengthen governance in South Africa's municipalities through a minimum councillor requirement and the introduction of a specialised code of conduct.

Once again it is municipal election time, and voters face the task of choosing their ward councillor or representative.

Making an educated choice between candidates requires thorough knowledge about the different candidates.

Remember, it is not only about a party, a voter should consider the candidates' credentials, academic and community standing, service to the community, understanding of local government policies and by-laws, they must have the appropriate qualification and training, including leadership-related and governance knowledge – even the candidate's character and temperament are important in determining the choice of candidate.

I believe voters should be extremely cautious about who they decide to put in such an important office.

Voters want the best for their ward, community and city or town. In order to ensure that, voters must study the candidates and put some serious consideration into their choice of candidate.

A wise choice would add value to council meetings and bring about the implementation of the Local Government Municipal Structures Amendment Act and other municipal acts and policies.

Moreover, there would be better service delivery and less municipal service delivery protests and municipal workers strikes.

MOHAMED SAEED | Pietermaritzburg